Carbon soccer programs to seek sanction from school board

Carbon defender Whitney Montoya circles back to put pressure on Delta's offense in their last game of the season. Delta scored five goals in the second half to beat the Lady Dinos 5-0 and advance to the state tournament tied for first place with Lehi in region eight. Despite the end of the soccer season, Carbon is planning to petition the school board on Oct. 8 to sanction the boys and girls teams for next season.

Carbon High School's girls soccer season came to a close on Tuesday night with their loss to Delta.

However, before the uniforms and cleats are stored away for the year, soccer parents, coaches and players will petition the school board in a preemptive effort to guarantee the soccer program's future.

At the school board meeting on Oct. 8, those with an invested interest in the team will ask the board to sanction the girls and boys soccer programs at Carbon.

Coach Dave Capalbo will not return as head coach for next year's girls soccer season. Capalbo has been coaching the team voluntarily since its inception in 2000.

His departure leaves a vacancy that parents feel may be hard to fill unless the school board will back the team as a sanctioned sport.

Twenty-four girls were listed on the soccer roster this year and, according to Capalbo, the team has had as many or more players every season of its four year history.

"There's no other girls sport that has this kind of participation," he stated.

And although Carbon's varsity team did not make the state tournament, their record has improved with each season.

The program also boasts a strong junior varsity team, with a record of 11-3-2.

Capalbo said his decision to step down was a hard one.

"I hate to go. It tears me up," Capalbo commented.

However, Capalbo said he still intends to help out if necessary and support the program and new head coach in any way possible.

A few prospects for the head coaching position are currently being considered.

The school board meeting which will address the sanction begins at 5 p.m. on Oct. 8 at the school district offices.